Canadian Sommelier, On-Air (TV, radio) Wine & Spirits Somm, Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: CheckMate Artisanal Winery produces world-class Chardonnay and Merlot from their Golden Mile Bench winery situated in Canada’s wine capital, Oliver, BC. 2014 End Game is a rich and concentrated expression of ultra premium Okanagan Merlot. Sourced from the Osoyoos East Bench and Black Sage Bench in the heart of... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON April 2020 Matt's review: Benjamin Bridge has been making a real fizz in the sparkling wine scene over the past two decades. This Nova Scotia (Canada) based winery is producing sparkling wines that rival those from Champagne and other storied wine regions around the world. A combination of ideal terroir for producing... Continue Reading →
April 2020 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: An expressive red blend from one of Ontario's premium boutique wineries, Icellars Estate Winery in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Reserve Red brings together estate grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec to produce a beautifully balanced, silky smooth wine that's sure to be enjoyed by all. Fragrant sweet spices, plum, dark... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON March 2020 Matt's review: Sourced from the Southern Okanagan Valley, where expressive Shiraz flourishes in the hot Okanagan sun, Black Sage Vineyard Shiraz is a great example of a big and bold Okanagan red. The aromas showcase its namesake, with loads of fresh Black Sage, Damson plum, blackberry, currant, charcoal and sous... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON February 2020 Matt's review: A ripe and delicious expression of a big juicy Okanagan red. Major's Block is a robust and spicy blend of Shiraz and Merlot with a splash of Petit Verdot and Zinfandel adding further depth and texture to this crowd pleaser. Sourced from the south of the Okanagan Valley,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON December 2019 Today on CTV Morning Live, CTV's Annette Goerner, Leslie Roberts, Trisha Owens, and Sommlier Matt Steeves discussed Holiday Entertaining and Gifting, and Matt presented his top Sommelier-recommended wine picks for this holiday season. Check out Matt's top picks below, and watch the CTV video link here . As we enter the... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2019 Matt's review: A beautiful traditional method sparking wine produced in a zero dosage style, making it extra crisp and refreshing - exactly what I and so many love in premium traditional method sparking wines. Benefitting from 48 months lees aging, with no oak influence, thereby preserving the natural fruit characteristics,... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON November 2019 November 23 will see the return of a premium Ontario wine label, Le Grand Clos from internationally acclaimed cool-climate winemaker, Thomas Bachelder of Le Clos Jordanne. After nearly a decade, Bachelder is back with his two top tier wines from Le Clos Jordanne - Le Grand Clos Chardonnay and Le Grand... Continue Reading →
November 2019 Ottawa, ON Matt's review: This new value-priced Niagara Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend spent part of it's barrel aging in Whisky barrels which enhances its flavour, texture, and crowd pleasing appeal. Look for rich dark fruit, black cherry, clove, chocolate and sweet vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with BBQ fare, spare ribs, chili, and spicy... Continue Reading →
Ottawa, ON October 2019 Matt's review: Another unique small production hand crafted wine from the talented Niagara-based winemaker, Marco Piccoli, of Jackson-Triggs. Winemakers have many tools to help them produce expressive and different styles of wines each year. Ideally the winemaker is handed perfect grapes with great structure, ripeness, and varietal characteristics to transform into... Continue Reading →
Quercus Vino 